Residents will have to be consulted before local authorities remove trees in their areas, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced.

Ahead of COP28, the Government has set out a number of measures to improve access to green space and connect the public with the natural world.

The package of measures includes launching a search for a new National Park, 34 new landscape recovery projects, new forests and £2.5m to help more children get outdoors.

New powers will also come into force that will strengthen requirements for local authorities to consult with communities before cutting down street trees.

Under plans first announced in the Environment Act, the Government says this will empower people to have a greater say in preserving their local trees.

Mr Sunak commented: ‘I shared in the nation’s profound sense of anger in response to what happened at the Sycamore Gap earlier this year, but the public’s outrage fundamentally demonstrated just how much love the British people have for the natural world.

‘From Yorkshire’s historic rolling moors to ancient rainforest on the Cornish coast, we are home to many globally significant landscapes. We must do all it takes to protect these much-loved spaces and ensure that love for the natural world continues into the next generations.’

Dr Darren Moorcroft, Woodland Trust chief executive, said: ‘Whoever is in power we need action on the urgent need for greater protection for our oldest most remarkable trees, our living legends, as well as increasing the protection and restoration of ancient woods - international leadership begins at home.

‘We also need to see proper funding and support for woodland expansion, ensuring land managers feel confident to invest in planting trees for the long term to deliver the many benefits they provide to society.’